CIRI Subsidiary North Wind Heads Up Facility Management at Nuclear Site
When you work for North Wind Solutions (NWSol) at its project site in southern Ohio, it’s never “just another day at the office.” That’s because the office is the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
Shareholder Spotlight: Erma Syers
Honoring those who have passed on is a labor of love for CIRI shareholder Erma Syers.
Henu’ Community Wellness Court to Serve Residents Across Central Kenai Peninsula
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe (KIT) has entered a historic government-to-government partnership with the Alaska Court System, signing an agreement to create a joint-jurisdiction state-tribal therapeutic court and pre-trial diversion program that will serve people in many Cook Inlet villages across the central Kenai Peninsula.
New ASD Superintendent Supports Arise
School on Saturday? Parents, community members, and students didn’t attend classes on Saturday, Oct. 15, but school climate and kindergarten preparedness were the most important things on their minds when they met with Deena Paramo, the new superintendent of the Anchorage School District (ASD).
2017 Board Election
The CIRI Nominating Committee seeks CIRI shareholders interested in nomination to the 2017 CIRI Board of Directors’ candidate slate. To be considered, all Board slate applicants, including incumbents, must complete and return a candidate nominee application to CIRI by 3 p.m. Alaska Standard Time on Monday, Jan. 16.
Take the Next Generation to Work Day: Monday, Jan. 16
For the third year, CIRI invites young shareholders and descendants to explore future career paths by spending a day at CIRI on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an Anchorage School District holiday. (Take the Next Generation to Work Day is annually scheduled to fall on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to eliminate the need for participating youth to miss any school.)
Educational Incentives for CIRI Youth
Every school day counts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. This relationship between attendance and achievement may appear early in a child’s school career.
Connect with Qenek
CIRI’s shareholder portal, Qenek, is a free online resource that provides shareholders easy access to a wealth of information.
Coming Soon: Fifth Annual Job and Resource Fair
The CIRI Job and Resource Fair is open to CIRI shareholders and confirmed descendants (attendees are asked to bring their CIRI shareholder or descendant identification cards). The event will focus on employment opportunities with CIRI, its subsidiaries and affiliated nonprofits, along with other Alaska Native corporations and private employers in the Cook Inlet region.
2017 Shareholder Distributions
CIRI’s dividend policy states that the total CIRI dividend payment to shareholders in any given year is equal to 3.5 percent of total shareholders’ equity, calculated as of Dec. 31 of the prior year. The CIRI Board has approved the distribution dates shown in the table below for 2017.
2017 CIRI Color of Justice
Color of Justice is a free and fun law-related educational program for CIRI shareholders and confirmed descendants in grades 9-12.
Q: Why Did CIRI Do Away with the Christmas Dividend?
A: In 2007, the CIRI Board of Directors adopted an equity-based dividend policy, with dividend payments in any given year equal to 3.5 percent of the company’s total shareholders’ equity calculated as of Dec. 31 of the prior year.
CIRI Invests in Clean-Energy Power Plant
Natural gas has for years been becoming the fuel of choice for new power plants looking to supply low-cost energy while curbing carbon emissions. CIRI is among the companies investing in this growing energy market.
CIRI Hosts SPC Members
To better increase two-way communication between CIRI and its shareholders, CIRI relies on its Shareholder Participation Committee (SPC).
President’s Message
Thank you to all of you who turned out for CIRI and The CIRI Foundation’s Friendship Potlatches this fall. While the potlatches gave us an opportunity to socialize and celebrate, this year’s event in Kenai took on a somber tone.
Shareholder Spotlight: Tammy Ashley
Tammy Ashley drinks a lot of coffee. With a full-time job, a busy family life and volunteer commitments that range from Girl Scouts to emergency medical response, it’s easy to see why. “I don’t really sleep,” she admits.
2016 Friendship Potlatches
CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches offer CIRI shareholders an opportunity to socialize and celebrate important cultural traditions with family and friends.
Congratulations to CIRI’s 2016 Shareholder, Elder and Youth of the Year
Read about this year’s Shareholder and Descendant award recipients.
CIRI’s Oldest Living Shareholder Passes Away at 100
Original CIRI shareholder and 2016 CIRI Elder of the Year award recipient Fiocla (Sacaloff) Wilson passed away Oct. 8 at Heritage Place continuing care facility in Soldotna, Alaska. She was 100.
AEDC’s ‘Where to Startup’ Video Series Filmed at Fireweed Business Center
Up-and-coming entrepreneurs in Alaska would be wise to check out the Alaska Economic Development Corporation’s (AEDC) “Where to Startup” video series.
Save the Date: Fifth Annual CIRI Job Fair
CIRI’s fifth annual Job and Resource Fair for shareholders and confirmed descendants will be held on Friday, Jan. 27.
Job Fair Survey
To assist CIRI in planning its annual Job Fair, interested shareholders and descendants are asked to complete an online survey by Friday, Jan. 6.
Apply Now: Take the Next Generation to Work Day
Shareholders and confirmed descendants ages 10 through high school are invited to apply for CIRI’s Take the Next Generation to Work Day, which is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 16.
President’s Message
As the days become cooler and shorter, most of us start to prepare for winter. The chill in the air also means it’s time, once again, for CIRI and The CIRI Foundation’s annual Friendship Potlatches.
CIRI Youth Crew Improves Habitat on the Kenai Peninsula
Members of the Student Conservation Association’s (SCA) 2016 CIRI Youth Crew this summer tackled a month-long environmental challenge on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula that met a critical habitat need and improved access for visitors to the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge (KNWR).
CITC Partners with Covenant House to Create a Home for Homeless Youth
As part of its commitment to double the amount of transitional housing available to homeless youth in Anchorage, on Sept. 23, CIRI-affiliated nonprofit Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC), along with Covenant House Alaska, celebrated the grand opening of Dena’ina House, a 26-bed facility in downtown Anchorage.
Shareholder Spotlight: Deb Winkelman
After 25 years as an elementary-school teacher, Deb Winkelman was looking forward to retirement. But it wasn’t the life of leisure she envisioned. “I knew I wanted to own my own business,” she said.
CIRI Shareholder Handbook Available Online
CIRI’s Shareholder Handbook has been prepared by CIRI to provide shareholders convenient access to information about the company, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, corporate policies and procedures, and much more.
Great American Smokeout Event
Join others across the nation using the Great American Smokeout as a day to quit tobacco forever.
2016 CIRI Youth Art Contest
CIRI wishes to thank the participants in this year’s Youth Art Contest. The continued success of our company depends on young shareholders and descendants who think creatively and strive for greatness.
Security Tip
Most of us know not to respond to unsolicited requests for personal information (e.g., name, birthdate, Social Security number, credit card or bank account information) by phone, mail, email or online. To protect our shareholders’ confidentiality, it is equally important that we know who we are speaking to before releasing any information.
CIRI Debuts Shareholder Portal
Qenek is a Dena’ina Athabascan word that means “news” or “information.” CIRI’s shareholder portal, aptly named Qenek, is a free online resource that provides shareholders easy access to a wealth of information.
Fireweed Business Center Tenant Expansion, Addition
Tenant changes are underway at the Fireweed Business Center, CIRI’s corporate headquarters.
CIRI Involved in Wildfire Protection Efforts on Kenai Peninsula
To better protect area residents, maintain firefighter safety and provide decision space in the event of a wildland fire, a cooperative effort has resulted in a multiyear project to construct a fuel break around the community of Sterling, Alaska.
Long-Serving CIRI Board Member Jerry Brown Passes Away at 82
Long-serving CIRI Director and CIRI Elders’ Settlement Trust trustee Gerald “Jerry” Grant Brown passed away July 30 at home in Everett, Wash., surrounded by his family. He was 82.
Save the Date*: CIRI’s Third Annual Holiday Craft Bazaar
If you are an artist who wishes to sell his/her wares at CIRI’s Holiday Craft Bazaar, contact Carolyn Bickley, CIRI’s Administrative Assistant, at (907) 274-8638. Deadline to register: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22.
Eklutna’s Annual Meeting Returns to the Fireweed Business Center
Cutting-edge technology, spatial comfort and streamlined design – for the second straight year, Eklutna Inc. chose CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center as the location of its annual meeting, held Aug. 20 in Anchorage.
Controlling Invasive Species in Beluga, Alaska
The auburn-colored flowers with the long, slender stem may look innocent enough, but orange hawkweed are an invasive (not native to Alaska), quick-spreading plant that can threaten animal and marine life by altering their habitats.
CIRI Summer Interns Embrace the Present, Plan for the Future
Insight into CIRI’s culture and businesses, development and mentorship opportunities, professional networking and resume building – CIRI’s summer interns took full advantage of the myriad opportunities offered them (and had lots of fun while doing it!).
Vote Yes on Ballot Measure 1
PFD Automatic Voter Registration
Alaska voters: The initiative will appear on the November 8, 2016 General Election ballot.
Save the Date: 2016 Annual AFN Convention
50 Years: Reflect, Refresh, Renew
October 20 thru October 22, 2016
Carlson Center, Fairbanks, Alaska
Koahnic, KNBA to Broadcast 2016 AFN Live
Once again, KNBA will provide live coverage of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention proceedings, Oct. 20-22, broadcasting from the Carlson Center in Fairbanks to public stations across Alaska.
North Wind Tackles Cleanup in Idaho’s Silver Valley
Due to its earlier success in aiding mine remediation efforts in Idaho’s Silver Valley, CIRI subsidiary North Wind Construction Services (NWCS) was recently awarded two contracts: one to remove all mine tailings and contaminated materials from the now-defunct Success Mine, and the second to receive and manage those waste materials.
Culture Camp Teaches Youth About Mat-Su Valley’s First People
Honoring the profound significance of salmon to both the lifestyle and spirituality of Alaska Native cultures, Knik Tribal Council’s (KTC) annual summer culture camp treated youth in grades K-6 to a lesson in how to catch, identify, handle and process this most precious resource. But “Shan Qayeh,” or “fish camp,” is much more than a training ground for future salmon enthusiasts.
Shareholder Participation Committee Update
CIRI welcomes new Shareholder Participation Committee (SPC) members.
Third Quarter Shareholder Distributions
The third quarter CIRI Elders’ Settlement Trust payment of $450 is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 9, with the final 2016 Elders’ payment scheduled for Friday, Dec. 9.
CIRI Turns Former Headquarters into Money Maker
Prior to CIRI’s 2015 move to its new home, the Fireweed Business Center, it was headquartered at 2525 C Street in Anchorage.
Crime Reform Bill Signed into Law
A bill that reinvests $99 million into crime reduction programs was signed into law July 11 by Alaska Gov. Bill Walker. Nonpartisan Senate Bill 91 was authored by Sen. John Coghill, R-North Pole, and Sen. Johnny Ellis, D-Anchorage.
Descendant Spotlight: Rosemary Berg
Originally from Point Hope, Rosemary Berg isn’t your typical beauty pageant contestant – and that suits her just fine. Initially, the half Inupiaq, half African-American woman “had a stereotype of what a pageant queen looks like…
Download The Newest Episode Of Ciriosity, “Today’s Descendant’s, Tomorrow’s Shareholders”
The latest episode of the CIRIosity podcast is available at ciri.com/ciriosity. Or you can subscribe to iTunes, and new episodes will download automatically to your smartphone or device.
Moose Mamas Aims To Increase Moose Population On CIRI Land
“I feel like I was born for this,” Dana DeBernardi says as she hikes up to the fenced enclosure that houses six moose calves. The calves, either abandoned or orphaned, have been at Moose Mamas about a month. The goal of the Anchorage based nonprofit is to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned moose calves back into the wild.
CIRI Golf Classic Benefits Local Charities
Despite the rain, 148 participants turned out for CIRI’s 33rd Golf Classic, held Friday, Aug. 5 at the Moose Run Golf Course in Anchorage.
CIRI Calendar Photo Contest for 2017
CIRI is seeking photos from shareholders and descendants for use in the 2017 CIRI calendar. The winning photographers will be eligible to receive prizes!
U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch Visits Alaska
With the goal of improving public safety in rural communities throughout Alaska, U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch met with Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and Alaska tribal leaders June 10 in Anchorage.
Silver Mountain Aims for Gold
Whether battling subzero temperatures in the winter or swarms of mosquitos in the summer, Silver Mountain Construction is up to the challenge. The Palmer, Alaska-based company recently completed a battalion headquarters at Fort Wainwright, an Army base just east of Fairbanks.
Shareholder Spotlight: Olive Blumenstein
An uprooted childhood, a Navy career fueled by wanderlust, family lost and found – Olive Blumenstein’s life reads like the most incredible fiction.
Hilcorp Begins Standalone Project on CIRI Leases
Hilcorp, one of the nation’s largest privately-held oil and natural gas exploration companies, continues to make significant investments in the Cook Inlet region.
Save the Date: Unity in Community Voter Picnic
Join the Alaska Federation of Natives and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People for a picnic to celebrate summer and get energized for the 2016 elections. FREE food, fun and family activities!
Empowering the Next Generation
Dividends, increased access to education, hiring preference, discounts, cultural benefits – these are just a few benefits enjoyed by 8,700-plus CIRI shareholders. Apart from dividends, many of these same opportunities are available to CIRI descendants – regardless of shareholder status.
‘Never Alone’ Video Game Launches on Mobile Platforms
A video game that delves deeply into the traditional lore of the Iñupiat people, “Never Alone” was developed in collaboration with nearly 40 Alaska Native Elders, storytellers and community members.
Winners’ Circle – Second Quarter 2016
To increase participation in certain programs, CIRI holds periodic prize drawings from the names of those enrolled who meet certain criteria and have a current mailing address with CIRI.
Download the Newest Episode of CIRIosity: ‘A Dip of Cool, a Sip of Swagger’
The latest episode of the CIRIosity podcast is available at ciri.com/ciriosity. Or you can subscribe to iTunes, and new episodes will download automatically to your smartphone or device.
Interns Delve into History and Culture
With the opportunity to interact with board members, explore shared culture and heritage and address issues facing Alaska Native youth, approximately 20 college students and recent graduates gathered for a summer intern workshop, held June 17 at the Alaska Native Heritage Center (ANHC) in Anchorage.
Every Vote Counts!
Alaskans can now register to vote online in both the 2016 Primary Election (Tuesday, Aug. 16) and the 2016 General Election (Tuesday, Nov. 8). Eligible shareholders and descendants may also register when visiting CIRI’s Shareholder Relations department.
Youth Opportunity Deadlines Fast Approaching
CIRI shareholders and descendants 13-17 are invited to apply for one of three SPC youth rep positions. To enter the 2016 Youth Art Contest, CIRI shareholders or descendants 5-12 must submit original artwork interpreting the theme ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’
Solar Project Furthers CIRI’s Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
High above the bustling streets of midtown Anchorage, the sun’s solar energy is now being used to help power CIRI’s new Fireweed Business Center, the company’s corporate headquarters.
Shareholder Spotlight: Storme Webber
In many ways, CIRI shareholder Storme Webber defies categorization. A mixed-race woman of Aleut, African-American and Choctaw descent, she is a poet, playwright, educator and interdisciplinary artist.
2016 Annual Meeting
Approximately 100 shareholders turned out for CIRI’s 43rd Annual Meeting, held June 4 in Puyallup, Wash.
2016 Board Election Results
Preliminary results indicate that CIRI shareholders elected five individuals to the CIRI Board of Directors at the company’s 2016 Annual Meeting June 4 in Puyallup, Wash.
Meet CIRI’s 2016 Summer Interns
As part of a company-wide commitment to deliver benefits to shareholders and descendants that provide an opportunity for them to advance in their careers and lives, this summer CIRI placed five youth in positions within CIRI departments and at CIRI subsidiaries.
Chickaloon Village Invests in the Health and Education of Its Residents
On May 26, the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council held a graduation ceremony at its Ya Ne Dah Ah (YNDA) School, Alaska’s only tribally-owned and –operated, full-time K-8 school and preschool facility.
CIRI Honors Muldoon Elementary Staff with Appreciation Week
In appreciation of their efforts, CIRI honored the 60-member Muldoon Elementary staff with an Appreciation Week, held May 2-6 at the school. Each day, staff received a special treat.
Alaska Native Heritage Center 2016 Summer Schedule
ANHC, a CIRI-founded nonprofit organization, showcases Alaska Native cultures and serves to educate visitors about the history and traditions of Alaska Native people.
Question: Did CIRI Sell Its Old Office Building?
Answer: No. Before CIRI’s 2015 move into its new home, the Fireweed Business Center, it was headquartered at 2525 C Street in Anchorage.
Birth Announcement
CIRI shareholder Debbie J. Standifer is pleased to announce the recent births of four grandchildren.
Graduation Announcement
Congratulations to CIRI shareholder Alanna Goins on her graduation from Ninilchik School, a K-12 school in Ninilchik, Alaska.
2016 Annual Meeting Prize Winners
The 2016 Annual Meeting of CIRI Shareholders included cash prize drawings for shareholders who submitted a valid proxy by the proxy deadline (May 26) for any proxyholder or candidate, or who registered to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.
2016 Early Bird Prize Drawings
To ensure a quorum is achieved for the Annual Meeting, the Early Bird Prize Drawings seek to reward shareholders who submit a valid proxy for any proxyholder or candidate by certain dates (April 29, May 6, May 13, May 20) in advance of the Annual Meeting.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) is seeking volunteers to mentor youth. Please consider becoming a “Big,” playing a positive role and making a difference in a child’s life.
CIRI invests alongside Doyon in Nenana basin oil and gas exploration
Doyon, Limited (Doyon) and Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI), both Alaska Native Regional corporations, announce CIRI’s investment alongside Doyon in the current oil and gas …
CIRI Annual Meeting of Shareholders
The 43rd Annual Meeting of CIRI Shareholder took place Saturday, June 4, in Puyallup, Wash. The preliminary results of the election for CIRI Directors indicate the following individuals will serve a three-year term ending in 2019..
White House Recognizes CIRI Talent
Greg Razo, a CIRI shareholder and company executive, has been recognized as a White House “Champion of Change.” Annette Evans Smith, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, was recently nominated as a member of the National Council on the Arts.
CIRI Thanks Charles G. Anderson for His Service
For his many years of service, CIRI extends its appreciation to Charles “Chuck” G. Anderson. A member of CIRI’s Board of Directors for nearly 30 years, Anderson served as Board chair from 2005 to 2013.
Shareholder Spotlight: Sabrina Walker
The first time she ran the 16-mile Lost Lake Run, CIRI shareholder Sabrina Walker (Tlingit) was greeted by a face at each half-mile marker. The faces were photos of Alaskans who had been affected by cystic fibrosis (CF).
CIRI Energy Employee Dan Mullins Honored with Hero Status
For helping prevent a suicidal woman from jumping from an overpass bridge, CIRI Energy Operations Manager Dan Mullins was honored by the American Red Cross of Alaska at its 17th annual Real Heroes Breakfast, held April 27 in Anchorage.
Youth Outreach Deadlines
June 10, 2016 – Youth recognition award nominations June 30, 2016 – Student report cards due August 10, 2016 – Youth Art Contest entries due …
Native Youth Olympics Celebrates Community and Culture
Bulk may rule the football field, brawn the wrestling mat and height the basketball court, but compact, slim athletes dominate the wrist carry, one of nearly a dozen competitive events at the Native Youth Olympics (NYO), an annual event produced by CIRI-affiliated nonprofit Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) and sponsored in part by CIRI.
Achievement Announcement
Congratulations to CIRI shareholder Juliana “Jewelz” Crandall for earning her master’s of public health degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Shopping for Alaska Native Artwork?
CIRI’s new Alaska Native Artist Directory provides an online space for shareholder and descendant artists to connect free of charge with potential customers, including other shareholders and descendants and members of the general public.
Info Meetings: Anchorage and Seattle
Spring is the season for CIRI Information Meetings. The Anchorage meeting was held April 23 at the CIRI’s Fireweed Business Center. The Northwest meeting took place May 7 at the Marriott Hotel near the SeaTac Airport.
Native Village of Eklutna to Hold Powwow
The Native Village of Eklutna will hold its 2016 Powwow/Potlatch June 18-19.
Coming Soon: Qenek Shareholder Portal
CIRI is in the final testing phase for a new shareholder portal with plans to go live in the next couple of months. Qenek (a Dena’ina Athabascan word that means “news or information”) will provide easy access to a wealth of information and allow shareholders the convenience of making certain record changes online.
North Wind Group Scores Large, Multi-Year Contracts
CIRI subsidiary North Wind Group – which oversees several companies primarily focused on environmental, engineering, construction and technical consulting – notched a pair of impressive wins to begin the year.
Guide to the 2015 Annual Report
Understanding CIRI’s financial statements CIRI recently released its 2015 Annual Report. This document summarizes the company’s performance last year and contains information that shareholders and …
CIRI Involved in Supreme Court Case
“It seems to me the Park Service doesn’t have jurisdiction.” Those were the last words Justice Antonin Scalia spoke from the bench of the U.S. Supreme Court before his passing earlier this year. The case involved Alaska. And, indirectly, CIRI.
CIRI’s Oldest Living Shareholder Turning 100
“It’s not your nationality that counts as much as it is your character and your personality.” These were a teacher’s words of wisdom to CIRI shareholder Fiocla Wilson […]
2016 Shareholder, Elder and Youth Award Nominations
Nomination Deadline: June 10, 2016
CIRI is currently accepting nominations for the 2016 Shareholder of the Year, Elder of the Year and Youth Recognition awards to be presented at the CIRI and The CIRI Foundation Friendship Potlatches this fall.
Save the Date: Information Meetings and Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Meeting attendance is limited to CIRI shareholders and their immediate family members (i.e., spouse, children) and/or stock custodians. Shareholders must check in with their guest and present identification. Refreshments will be provided.
Other Important CIRI Dates, 2nd Quarter 2016
May 30: Memorial Day holiday: CIRI offices closed
May 31: Address change and direct deposit deadline for the second quarter Elders’ Settlement Trust distribution […]
2016 Annual Meeting Prizes
Vote Early and Win! To encourage early submission of proxies, CIRI has added $14,000 in new Early Bird prizes! If you own voting shares, you …
2016 Kenai Information Meeting
Nearly 200 CIRI shareholders and their families came together for the Spring Information Meeting April 16 in Kenai. Attendees enjoyed a nice lunch, heard a …
Day 001: Voices of Recovery
Produced by 90.3 fm KNBA, a Koahnic Broadcast Station, “Day 001: Voices of Recovery” celebrates the true stories of Alaskans overcoming alcohol addiction. Each mini …
CIRI Leads Effort to Launch Color of Justice Rural Student Initiative
When the distinguished judges and legal professionals addressed the students at the Color of Justice program, they saw something big staring back at them: Alaska. All of Alaska. From the North Slope to the Aleutians Islands.
CIRI Reaches Agreement to Sell CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation
Cook Inlet Region, Inc. (CIRI) recently announced the sale of CIRI Alaska Tourism Corporation. Shareholders with email addresses on file at CIRI received an advisory message regarding the sale.
A Word from the President, March 2016
Many of you have read about CIRI’s recent decision to sell a company that we have proudly hailed as a hallmark of our portfolio for the past 20 years.
With Sincere Appreciation
Neshech’ Kahtnuht’ana: “A story feather created to implement productive communication and discover resolution. Whomever holds this feather, may speak, while others listen. Remember to pass your story feather often.”
Travel by Air at Discounted Rates Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines is graciously offering discounts to shareholder and their immediate family members attending CIRI’s 2016 information meetings and Annual Meeting.
Missing Shareholders, March 2016
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
Shareholder Spotlight: Nikki Graham
CIRI shareholder Nikki Graham hadn’t even been to her first meeting of the Alaska Native Professional Association (ANPA) when one of the organization’s directors encouraged her to consider joining the board.
2016 Summer Internship Application Deadline: April 22
CIRI is now accepting applications for its Summer Internship program. Intern positions within CIRI include Corporate Communications, Real Estate, Land and Resources, Shareholder Programs and Outreach, and Accounting and Business Development.
Veterans Museum Honors Late CIRI Shareholder
When you learn about the life and times of CIRI shareholder Percy Blatchford, you can’t help but be impressed. A collection honoring Blatchford’s 30- year career in the military is now on display in the Alaska Veterans Museum in downtown Anchorage. Although Blatchford passed away in 2003, his story continues to resonate with people. Even when they stumble upon it by accident.
A Word from the President, February 2016
I’m always grateful when I have a chance to attend a meeting of the Tikahtnu Forum. I especially appreciate seeing so many individuals and organizations, from all over the Cook Inlet region, coming together to work toward improving the lives of Alaska Native people.
Important CIRI Dates, 1st Quarter 2016
March 11: First quarter Elders’ Settlement Trust distribution March 14: Deadline to sign up for direct deposit for the first quarter dividend and resource revenue …
2016 CIRI Dividend Update
CIRI’s dividend policy states that the total dividend payment to shareholders in any given year is equal to 3.50 percent of total shareholders’ equity, calculated as of December 31 of the prior year. As the first step in calculating dividend amounts, CIRI’s prior-year accounting books must be “closed,” which means all prior-year expenses and income must be received and either paid or properly accounted for.
2015 CIRI Shareholder Tax Information
CIRI mailed IRS 1099 forms to all shareholders for the 2015 tax year on February 1, 2016. Please note that you may receive more than one type of Form 1099, depending on the type of income received from CIRI, and the proper IRS forms and schedules to use when completing your tax return may vary depending on the types of CIRI payments received.
Accepting Recreational Use Permit Applications Farewell Area
Application Deadline: March 31
Once again, recreational use permits will be issued for access to portions of the Farewell area for sheep hunting purposes in 2016. Recreational use permits are awarded through a random drawing for sheep hunting. CIRI shareholders, CIRI employees and the general public may apply for access; however, CIRI shareholders and shareholder family members and employees have first choice for the opening period before others are permitted to hunt for sheep.
Fire Island Wind Lauded for Best-In-Industry Performance
When CIRI initially launched its Fire Island Wind project, there was concern about whether the company would be able to bring the project to fruition and, if so, how well it would operate. Four years after the project became operational, Fire Island Wind has been lauded by General Electric Company (GE) as one of the top four wind energy projects across the country.
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation Alaska Native Annual Art Auction
Koahnic Broadcast Corporation held its 21st Annual Alaska Native Art Auction on Feb. 18. This annual fundraising event and celebration of Alaska Native culture features artwork by Alaska Native artists from throughout the state.
PFD Application Deadline March 31
As a reminder, Alaskans completing their PFD applications can support one or more nonprofit organizations through Pick.Click.Give, which provides a searchable list of eligible organizations, including five CIRI-affiliated nonprofits: the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native Justice Center, The CIRI Foundation, Koahnic Broadcast Corporation/KNBA 90.3 FM and Southcentral Foundation.
PFD Voter Campaign Delivers
The PFD Voter Registration ballot initiative group announced it had collected more than 42,000 signatures in an effort to get the measure on the Alaska ballot for voters to decide.
GED @ CITC
Cook Inlet Tribal Council (CITC) offers a General Education Diploma (GED) program to assist participants with obtaining a GED diploma. The program provides GED classes and testing at no cost to eligible participants.
Opportunities Abound: 2016 Take the Next Generation to Work
CIRI hosted its second annual Take the Next Generation to Work Day on January 18, when ten CIRI shareholders and confirmed descendants ranging in age from nine to 18 years spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day learning about the their company’s history and business strategies, as well as CIRI’s current corporate giving, volunteer and outreach activities.
Opportunities Abound: CIRI Job and Resource Fair
With more than 135 attendees and 26 vendors, CIRI’s fourth annual Job and Resource Fair was held on January 29 at the Fireweed Business Center. Participants had the opportunity to connect with CIRI, its affiliated entities, other Alaska Native corporations and private employers in the Cook Inlet region to learn about potential employment and training opportunities.
Be an Attendance Champion!
CIRI places a high value on youth. We want youth to succeed, and to do that, we know they need to get to class, and then stay in school until graduation. In fact, studies show that there is a direct correlation between reading and math proficiency and school attendance rates.
Congratulations to the Youth Educational Incentive Winners
Five CIRI youth win the second CIRI Youth Education Incentive awards.
Alaska Native Hire Launch
Alaska Native Hire is now live! The user-friendly site aims to increase employment among Alaska Native people by facilitating connections between job seekers and employers.
Missing Shareholders, February 2016
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
CIRI Executive Helps Lead Push to Reform Alaska Criminal Justice System
When a special commission released its list of recommendations to reform Alaska’s criminal justice system, it was CIRI shareholder and executive Greg Razo who stood at the podium to deliver the findings.
A Word from the President, January 2016
Happy new year! If you’re like me, you’ve been reflecting on the past year and setting goals for the new one.
Shareholder Spotlight: Michael Clark Sr.
Michael Clark Sr. has a reputation. When he goes to art shows, the other artists know him as the ATM killer – the guy who persuades customers to pull out cash and buy his stone carvings until the ATM is empty. It’s a pretty good reputation to have.
CIRI Champions Color of Justice
Deadline to apply: 5 p.m. (AKST) Friday, Feb. 5, 2016
Ever thought of becoming a lawyer? Arguing a big case? Fighting for civil rights? Helping advance a new business venture for a large company? For many highschool-aged teenagers living in rural Alaska, it just became easier to find out what it might be like to do these things.
Panda Express Finds Home at Tikahtnu Commons
Tikahtnu Commons continues to expand with the recent addition of Anchorage’s very first Panda Express Chinese restaurant. With the addition of this business, Tikahtnu Commons is now approximately 95 percent built out, with only a handful of storefronts still available for lease.
Missing Shareholders, January 2016
The following CIRI shareholders do not have a current mailing address on record.
In Memory, January 2016
View the obituaries of shareholders who have recently passed away.
Make a Difference with Pick.Click.Give.
In last month’s Raven’s Circle, you may have read about the ways CIRI and its employees give back to the community. If you’re interested in contributing directly to a better Alaska, consider using Pick.Click.Give. to make a donation to your favorite charity.
Save the Date: Job Resource Opportunities
Fourth Annual Shareholder Job and Resource Fair
Friday, Jan. 29, 2016
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
725 E. Fireweed Ln., Anchorage
Coming Soon: Southcentral Foundation 19th Annual Gathering
Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center
Save the Date: Koahnic Broadcast Corporation
Alaska Native Art Auction
Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016
5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dena’ina Convention Center
Save the Date: Junior NYO Games
February 19–21, 2016
Mirror Lake Middle School
22901 Lake Hill Dr., Chugiak, Alaska
Thank You for Making the 2015 AFN Convention Possible!
Thank you to AFN’s sponsors and we look forward to seeing you for AFN’s 50th Anniversary Convention in Fairbanks next year!
